Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Franz Josef Glacier with this incredible adventure designed for those short on time but big on exploration.
Begin your adventure with a scenic Helicopter Flight. Marvel at panoramic views of the West Coast and surrounding mountain ranges. Land on the iconic glacier and spend 15 minutes on the stunning ice with our expert guides, immersing yourself in this iconic natural wonder.
This adventure is perfect for all fitness levels: A hassle-free experience that’s accessible to everyone. With exclusive access to the Franz Josef Glacier Guides, we are the only operator permitted to land on the Franz Josef Glacier.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Family friendly - Suitable for 4+ years
What To Expect
Franz Josef Glacier
Spend time on the stunning Franz Josef Glacier with our experienced guides and connect with this iconic destination. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight, offering panoramic views of West Coast and surrounding mountains.
Options
Franz Josef Scenic Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
What‘s Included
Informative commentary from your guide on glaciology, local history, and Māori legends
Enjoy a walk through beautiful New Zealand native bush as you start and finish your experience
Land exclusively on Franz Josef Glacier - only we can take you there
15 minutes on-ice time with your professional ice-guide
Scenic Helicopter flight above rainforest and the Southern Alps (15 minutes return flight time)
Unforgettable photo opportunities on the glacier
Snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One of the best experiences ever!
routetrails,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The whole experience - from the guide giving us instructions as she walked us to the helipad through the rainforest, the helicopter pilot who flew us up to the glacier and back to the guides at the glacier landing who told us about the glacier and tourism there - was wonderful. I especially enjoyed the helicopter ride up to the glacier; we traveled, circling upwards as we gained altitude, from green temperature rainforests to white-and-blue snowcapped mountains and icefields in a short but spectacularly stunning flight. I would imagine that such views could usually only be enjoyed by one who was a high altitude mountaineer but this ride made it available to regular folk. This was by far one the best experiences of my life and was certainly the highlight of my trip in New Zealand. This trip should be done by everyone!
Absolutely incredible
La tiburona,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I feel exceptionally grateful to have had the experience of standing on the Franz Josef glacier, early in the morning in such perfect conditions. The glacier is awe-inspiringly breathtaking, as are the views of the melted glacial waters forming waterfalls and deep blue pools along the side of the mountain. This experience was exceptional. We were lucky to be the only two people on the glacier with our guide, Tagan, and our pilot, Andy, was friendly and shared informative and enthusiastic commentary for the flight up and back. While our time out on the glacier was short - around 15 minutes - we felt safe, secure, and well-looked after for the duration, and heartily recommend this to everyone coming to Franz Josef. It’s a must-do, once in a lifetime activity.
HELICOPTER TO THE GLACIERS
Peter M,Feb 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Of all the many highlights of our (my wife and I) trip to New Zealand, the ride up to a glacier then circling Mt. Cook was probably the number 1 activity. Pilot Rich was extraordinarily capable, friendly and informative. We'll worth the cost.
Related Experiences
Operated by Franz Josef Glacier Guides